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Biswas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Biswas (Bengali: বিশ্বাস) (pronounced in Bengali as "bish-shash") is a native Bengali surname, commonly used by the Bengali community of India and Bangladesh. The surname was an honorary title bestowed on persons who were relied upon for the work of accounts, receipts and expenditure. [1] The word Biswas means faith or trust in Bengali.[2]

The surname 'Biswas' is not tied to any specific religion or caste, as it is used by both "Hindus, including Brahmins, and Muslims alike".[1] Among Bengali Hindus, the surname is notably associated with various castes, including Forward castes like Kayasthas,[3][4] Mahishyas[5][6] and Brahmins[1][7] as well as Scheduled Castes like Poundras and Namasudras. The surname is also found among Bengali Muslims and Bengali Christians.[8]

Notable people

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See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b c Mookerjee S (1959). "Bengalee Surnames" (PDF). Annals of Library and Information Studies. 6 (3): 81–91.
  2. ^ "English Meaning of 'বিশ্বাস ' at english-bangla.com বিশ্বাস শব্দের ইংরেজি অর্থ". english-bangla dictionary.
  3. ^ Lokeshwar Basu (1981). Amader Podabir Itihas (Bengali). Kolkata: Ananda Publishers. ISBN 8170666015.
  4. ^ Bahadur), Sarat Chandra Roy (Rai (1982). Man in India. A. K. Bose.
  5. ^ Risley, H.H. The Tribes and Castes of Bengal (PDF). Bengal Secretariat Press. p. 140.
  6. ^ Confessions of a Namasudra Communist: Debayudh Chatterjee.
  7. ^ a b "MASTERPIECE!". Trinidad Express Newspapers. Retrieved 2021-09-10.
  8. ^ Zene, Cosimo. The Rishi of Bangladesh: A History of Christian Dialogue. p. 364.
  9. ^ "Teju Cole on A House for Mr Biswas by VS Naipaul – a novel of full-bore Trinidadian savvy". the Guardian. 2016-02-12. Retrieved 2021-09-10.